The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, has urged South Korea to invest in the chips needed for artificial intelligence (AI) technology, while also expressing interest in collaborating with larger chipmakers like Samsung Electronics. According to Altman, South Korea should focus on both system semiconductors and memory chips to meet the growing demand for AI.
During a recent conference in Seoul, Altman also expressed his willingness to expand the company’s investment in Korean startups. The CEO noted that the country is among the earliest adopters of the company’s ChatGPT service, exhibiting remarkable creativity in its usage.
Altman further revealed ongoing discussions with Korean chip manufacturers, including Samsung and SK hynix, to ensure a steady supply of memory chips for AI in the future. At present, OpenAI utilizes chips from Taiwan, but Altman expects an increased demand for memory chips to further advance the development of AI.
The CEO’s call for investment in South Korean AI reflects the growing awareness worldwide of the technology’s impact. The European Union is set to pass the draft AI Act this year, while lawmakers in the United States have proposed two new bipartisan bills targeting issues of transparency and innovation in AI.
Altman’s visit to South Korea forms part of his wider travels across Europe and Asia, where he engages in discussions with policymakers and leaders about AI’s potential and challenges. Already, he has expressed his intention to establish an office in Japan and is considering opening more offices worldwide as part of the company’s future plans.
